Chorley 4 Southport 2: Dominant Magpies' derby triumph
Chorley ran riot in front of goal as Adam Blakeman starred in their win over Southport at Victory Park.
Scoring from a corner and registering more than one assist, while Tom Carr and Anjola Popoola both made it two goals apiece from each of the last two games on a fantastic night for the Magpies.
Having said that, Southport hit the front early doors, just two minutes on the clock when Ted Lavelle fired home after Chorley failed to clear.
The Magpies responded well, levelling on 16 minutes as Blakeman’s long throw caused chaos and Carr applied the finishing touch.
A lively first half saw referee Joe Moss brandish several yellow cards, including to Blakeman, Matt Urwin, DJ Pedro and Mark Ellis.
Chorley continued to grow into the game and went ahead on 34 minutes when Blakeman’s cross was met by Popoola, whose header went in off the post.
The visitors replied quickly, Pedro finishing well past Urwin to silence the Victory Park crowd. Pedro would then miss another chance to double his tally on the night.
Blakeman took centre stage after the restart, swinging a corner straight into the net on 63 minutes.
Four minutes later, another of his deliveries found Ellis, who volleyed home with help of a deflection to make it four.
Port’s Paul Murphy-Worrell saw red late on, and substitute Jack Sampson nearly added a fifth.
The win moves Chorley to within six points of the play-offs.
Chorley: Urwin, Henley, Ellis, Smith, Blakeman, M Wilson, Calveley (German 80), O'Kane, Clarke, Popoola (Lalkovic 84), Carr (Sampson 80). Subs (not used): Griffiths, Moore, Bird, Drench.